Book cover of Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War II

Book description

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
One of NPR's "Books We Love" of 2021
Longlisted for the PEN/Jacqueline Bograd Weld Award for Biography

Winner of the Christopher Award

"Masterly. An epic story of four Japanese-American families and their sons who volunteered for military service and displayed uncommon heroism... Propulsive and gripping,…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Facing the Mountain as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

If you and your family were ordered from your home by your government, deprived of your constitutional rights, and sent to a remote internment camp, would you volunteer to risk your life fighting for your country? Thousands of young Japanese American men did just that when they were isolated as possible spies and traitors after Japan’s bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Eighteen thousand of these young men signed on as members of the Army’s 442nd Infantry Regiment, composed entirely of second-generation Japanese Americans, and distinguished themselves as some of the bravest Americans who ever lived. Sent into battles…

From Victoria's list on American heroes to inspire your teenager.

If you’ve never heard of the 442nd all-Nisei (or second-generation Japanese American) combat regimental team that went on to become the most decorated military unit for its size in American history, or even if you’re a WWII history buff who knows their story in and out, this book will give you a new appreciation of their sacrifice and dedication. I love how Brown places the stories of three 442nd soldiers side-by-side with those of their families who remained in the camps while also interweaving the legal battle of Gordon Hirabayashi who fought against removal and incarceration orders. What…

From Stephanie's list on Japanese American incarceration.

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